Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in White Plains public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in zoning with high priority
Proposed Buddhist temple at 1 Sycamore Lane
A proposal to convert a single-family property into a Buddhist temple with multiple accessory buildings, most of it inside the 100-foot wetlands buffer. Neighbors and environmental impacts are likely flashpoints when the hearing resumes December 2.
Second-story signage precedent for cannabis dispensary
The board refused to back a variance letting Elevated Cannabis put an illuminated sign on the second floor of its Westchester Ave building. Members worried that saying yes once would open the door to similar upstairs signs elsewhere downtown.
Mini-storage zoning amendment in CB-3 district
The Council changed the zoning to let mini-storage facilities operate in the core business district — but only fully below ground, on 2-acre-plus lots with main-road access. This unlocks the vacant former Walmart site at 275 Main Street for a self-storage facility and health club.
Below-grade self-storage at former Sears/Walmart building, 2705 Main Street
The owners of the vacant former Sears/Walmart building want to fill its 90,000-square-foot basement with self-storage, with fitness, pickleball and trampoline uses planned for the rest of the building. The zoning change now goes to the Common Council, which would hold a public hearing and later decide any special permit. It could bring a long-vacant downtown building back to life with minimal traffic.